Flood Alert: FG Warns 17 States of Imminent Flooding, Orders Evacuation

The Federal Government has issued a flood alert for 17 states, warning residents in flood-prone communities to evacuate immediately as rising river levels increase the risk of flooding.

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) said the Medium Flood Risk Advisory covers the period from July 21 to July 27, 2026, following a steady rise in water levels across major rivers and floodplains.

According to NIHSA Director-General, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, the affected states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.

The agency said the alert was triggered after 16 hydrological monitoring stations recorded water levels above the watch and warning thresholds. Key locations include Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River.

NIHSA warned that Bauchi has the highest projected exposure, with 1,841 communities at risk, along with 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets.

Imo State has 415 vulnerable communities, while Plateau has 205. Edo is projected to have 148 affected communities, and Kaduna 168. Benue also has several communities, schools and health facilities identified as being at risk.

The agency directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local governments and community leaders to begin the immediate evacuation of residents, livestock and valuables from flood-prone areas.

It also urged emergency agencies to pre-position food, clean water, medical supplies and water treatment kits, activate early warning systems and clear blocked drains and waterways to reduce flood impacts.

Residents were advised to avoid flooded roads and fast-flowing rivers, monitor daily flood updates and relocate immediately if they live in vulnerable communities.

NIHSA stressed that coordinated action by federal, state and local authorities is critical to preventing loss of lives and reducing damage to property as water levels continue to rise across affected areas.